You know you are in Hershey country as soon as you check into the Hotel Hershey. Along with the room key, the desk clerk hands over complimentary chocolate bars.
Perched atop a ridge overlooking the Hershey empire, the classy 230-room hotel resembles a hilltop castle in Spain. Ornamental towers soar above Moorish arches, and tiled fountains splash beneath hand-carved wooden balconies.
Youngsters head for the indoor or outdoor pools, and the roller coasters and other thrill rides at Hersheypark, just down the hill. Mom and Dad can tackle the two highly regarded 18-hole golf courses at Hershey Country Club. The West Course presents a prime view of town; three lakes and 100 bunkers challenge skills on the East Course.
The luxurious spa offers feel-good treatments, some with a chocolate flavor. Try the whipped-cocoa bath.
Bottom line: An upscale family resort.
Hotel Hershey, 717-533-2171; thehotelhershey.com. Summer rates begin at $409 a night for two; children under 17 stay free in the same room.
This article first appeared in the April 2005 issue of The Washingtonian. For more articles from that issue, click here.
